Kentucky, Carolina, Stable View & Galway Issue Responses to COVID-19 [Update: The Fork at TIEC]

Emilee Libby and Jakobi, winners of the Galway Downs International Horse Trials CCI4*-S in March 2019. This year’s edition, scheduled to take place March 27-29 in Temecula, CA, will be closed to the public. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

With sporting events around the world being cancelled in response to coronavirus, the eventing community is anxiously awaiting news about the fate of our own competitions. At the time of this publication, Copper Meadows H.T. (March 14-15 in Ramona, Calif.) is the only USEA recognized event to have been postponed or cancelled. Click here to view a rolling list of equestrian events worldwide that have been cancelled, postponed or closed to spectators.

Nine FEI events are scheduled to take place in the U.S. in March and April: Carolina International (March 19-22 in Raeford, North Carolina), Stable View Spring CCI (March 27-29), Galway Downs International (March 27-29), The Fork at TIEC (April 2-5 in Mill Spring, NC), CHC International at Chattahoochee Hills (April 3-5 in Fairburn, GA), Ocala International (April 9-12), Twin Rivers CCI & H.T. (April 9-12 in Paso Robles, CA), Fair Hill/5* Test Event (April 1o-12 in Elkton, MD), and the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (April 22-26 in Lexington, KY).

Four of those events have issued statements in response to the coronavirus pandemic. We encourage you to keep an eye on their websites and social media channels for further updates.

Carolina International 

“As news of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to increase concern throughout the United States, the Carolina International CCI and HT is on schedule to run on March 19-22, 2020. The Carolina Horse Park is working hard to ensure the safest environment for everyone that visits the Park. Moving forward Park Officials and the Carolina International Organizing Committee will continue to monitor information from the CDC, North Carolina Officials, and USEF as we move forward and consider additional steps as they may become mandated or necessary.

“To protect against exposure risk, the Park is taking all available precautions and following rigorous sanitary protocols. We encourage people that are feeling ill to remain at home. For those attending the event, please stay 6 feet away from other people when possible and wash your hands regularly. The use of hand sanitizer is a necessity and cleaning surfaces touched regularly by people is also highly recommended.

“The CI Organizing Committee is carefully following state health guidelines and is working proactively with healthcare liaisons, public officials and healthcare officials in the area as well as our safety coordinators to ensure we are in compliance with state regulations. The Carolina Horse Park looks forward to hosting our competitors, owners, and spectators on March 19 – 22.

“For more information, visit www.carolinainternationalcci.com or contact Jane Murray at 978.578.1043 or [email protected].”

Stable View 

“As concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have become daily news, Stable View would like to assure our supporters that our competitor’s interests are always our number one concern. To that end we will continue to adhere to the most stringent sanitary protocols, and follow advice from trusted veterinary and health professionals. At this time Stable View plans to run all scheduled hunter/jumper, eventing, and dressage events. However, should organizations such as the CDC, USEF, or other governing bodies issue statements that would mandate an event’s cancellation, Stable View is adopting a full-refund policy for all entry fees. In this, and all decisions made by Stable View, you should feel secure in your commitment of time and resources, knowing that we are here for the long-term, and hope that you are too. 

“Please call 484-356-3173 or email [email protected] with questions.”

Galway Downs

“With the recent developments on the COVID-19 and with the statement from the Governor in mind we will be taking these steps to ensure our upcoming Galway Downs International Horse Trials is a biosecure show with the health of the riders and horses as they are our number one priority.

“To coincide with the Governor’s recommendation we will be changing the schedule of our show to limit the amount of people on the grounds. In order to do this we will be splitting the divisions to run two separate shows, a Thursday-Friday show and then a Saturday-Sunday show. We are in the process of reworking the schedule and will send out an update once we have that finalized.

“We will also be closing the show to the public and only allowing competitors, family members, officials, and volunteers to attend. The volunteer meeting we normally have in the MD Barn will be hosted in a larger more open area. We will be canceling both our Welcome Party as well as our Competitor Party. We will be regularly disinfecting all public areas as well as providing hand washing stations at all common areas. In line with best practices if you are sick or have had contact with someone showing symptoms in line with the COVID-19 we ask that out of an abundance of caution you do not attend the event.

“We have a known audience that we trust to make the right decision on whether or not they are in proper health to attend the event. Galway Downs will be running a Live Stream for our FEI divisions for anyone who is not able to attend but wants to watch all the action.

“We look forward to seeing you all at the end of the month!”

Land Rover Kentucky 

“Since 1978 EEI has put on the Kentucky Three-Day Event every year without cancellation. We know the coronavirus and the travel ban have created a lot of questions and anxiety regarding this year’s event. We are closely monitoring the situation and in constant communication with state and local officials to determine the best path forward.

“As of today, March 12, the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event will continue as scheduled. We know how important this event is to our fans, our competitors, our organization and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We have 41 days remaining before the event and a lot can change.

“Decisions EEI makes regarding the event will be made keeping in mind the health and well-being of our guests, our volunteers and our competitors. Should it become necessary for us to cancel the event, EEI will contact each of our ticketed customers with their available options.”

The Fork at TIEC

“…We are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and we are getting regular updates from experts in the field as well as consulting with peers through our professional networks and organizations. We are taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of all Tryon Resort guests and employees.
“In response to the guidelines provided by NC Governor Roy Cooper, Tryon Resort’s March 14th events featuring The Cat in the Hat, Touch A Truck, and Community Yard Sale and the March 21st Viking Dash are cancelled. At this time, all other events on the calendar for this year are still planned to proceed as scheduled. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed. We will communicate any additional cancellations as decisions are made.”

Go Eventing.